Dog Lake From Big Water

The winter gate in Mill Creek Canyon was open for one whole day before Winter and I, along with several friends, decided to head to the top of the Canyon to hike to Dog Lake. With the weather in 2021 HOT the entire summer, so we had a early start with our dog friends Lucy, Nobie, and Archie. The hike to Dog Lake from Big Water is listed as 5.2 miles with 1,300 feet elevation gain on All Trails. I tracked it at just over 6 miles.

Big Water Trail to Dog Lake

This trail is a slow and steady elevation gain! We completed the hike at the beginning of July and there were plenty of mountain bikers out. This was my first adventure into Mill Creek Canyon on a day they are allowed. I would be lying if I said we followed the leash rules the entire hike. We did let the dogs run around a few times along the way and at the lake. They were all so hyped to see each other.

The water level at Dog Lake was a little low this year. But that didn’t stop the dogs from having plenty of fun running around and playing in the water. Winter and Lucy both got to eat their breakfast with a view. And of course right as the sun finished burning off the clouds we did a quick doggie photo shoot.

We were not in a rush to get back down the trail. We were all enjoying the views and the temperatures up the canyon. It was a solid 15 degrees cooler up the canyon than in the Salt Lake Valley. The other way to get to Dog Lake from Mill Creek Canyon is up Little Water Trail.

Before you go

Sadly the hike to Dog Lake from Mill Creek Canyon is not open year round. The winter gate in Mill Creek Canyon opens July 1st each year, and doesn’t historically open early regardless of the weather leading up to July. The lake is accessible year round from Big Cottonwood Canyon, however no hiking in BCC is dog friendly.

Mill Creek Canyon does charge a fee per vehicle. It is just $5 and they do offer a year pass as well! You pay on your way out of the canyon. This trail head parking area is limited and typically fills up early in the morning. Be prepared to park in overflow or start early super early like we did.

A huge plus to this canyon as well is they allow dogs off-leash on ODD days. So for example: 2/13, 2/15, etc. you can have your dog off-leash. EVEN days the trails require dogs on leash, and they allow mountain biking on these day as well. Another convenient benefit is toilets at each trailhead. The canyon has TONS of hiking options year-round, and even more during the summer and fall seasons when the winter gate is open! If you drive to the winter gate during the winter, they groom the road for cross country skiing and snow shoeing! The options are endless in Mill Creek Canyon.

Enjoying all of Winter and my adventures? Check out more hiking and trips we have taken on our archives page! More hikes in Mill Creek Canyon and across Utah are also featured here!